Nerul LPG blast: NMMC to raze damaged portions of building

Feb 10, 2014, 07:15 IST
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Richa Pinto

A partial structure audit report says 36 flats need not be evacuated; but demolition of columns and beams in damaged flats may affect the structure’s stability and hence, civic officials have asked residents not to move back in

A partial structural audit report of Nerul’s Panchratna building, whose wall on the second floor collapsed due to the impact from an LPG cylinder blast, has revealed that 36 flats in the building require no evacuation.

Officials are of the opinion that razing of the columns and beams of flat number 14 may affect the stability of the structure. Pic/Emmanual Karbhari

But, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is going to bring down the columns and beams of flat number 14, where the explosion occurred and other damaged flats.

Officials are of the opinion that this may affect the stability of the structure, and have asked people to stay out of the building. MiD DAY had reported on how homeless families were now living, eating and sleeping in the open on the building premises (‘Cylinder blast renders 200 residents homeless, February 7). They weren’t willing to shift to the temporary accommodation provided by NMMC, since it was far away from their children’s schools.

Bhanudas Nimase, a rickshaw driver who stays on the second floor of the CIDCO-built homes, said, “The NMMC has been cooperative and helpful, providing us with food and mattresses. But how long can this continue? Despite having our own homes in front of us, we cannot move back. The structure has become weak and may collapse.”

Residents hope a few NGOs help them out with accommodation, at least for women and children. The civic body plans to raze the columns and beams of the damaged flats and the crushed parts today.

Structural analysis of the remaining 32 apartments are still awaited. Speaking to MiD DAY, Executive Engineer of NMMC, Sanjay Desai, who was present at the spot yesterday, said, “We have got a partial report.

While 36 flats require no evacuation, the report of the remaining 32 flats is yet to come out. We will get machinery like concrete cutters and sound-proof Japanese machinery to bring down the damaged portions of the flats.

However, while this is being done, we prefer if no resident is inside the building premises for any reason whatsoever.” The complete structural report is expected to be released only by Tuesday, after which a clearer picture will emerge as to how many inhabitants will be able to shift back into their flats.

Family in ICUMeanwhile, the Tondwalkar couple, whose house was the site of the LPG blast, is still in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Shushrusha Hospital. While husband Ravindra has recovered partially, his wife Shalaka (51) is still drowsy and was on the ventilator till Saturday.

She suffered a skull fracture and bore the full intensity of the blast. Ravindra (51) has injuries on both his hands. Their son Sanchit (24) said it was his first priority is to ensure that his parents are stable. “We have lost everything in our home, but presently, it’s important that my mother and father recover soon. I plan to register a case against the gas agency as well. The gas shouldn’t have leaked in the first place.”